Hello everyone! I apologize for not updating as often as I'd like - I had been in a period of transition from May to June, and July was full of ceremonies, both private and public. Now that I've got a better handle of my time and schedule, please look forward to more posts!
For start, here is a short and simple article explaining tamagushi. There is more theories to their origins, and etmology theories to the word, however, what I wanted to explain here is the essence of tamagushi and it's present meaning.
Tamagushi (玉串, translated as jewel skewer） is an ancient offering to Kami-sama, it is usually a sakaki tree branch, or at times when there is no sakaki availible, an evergreen branch such as cedar, and shide (zigzag strip of white rice paper) on top attached to the leaves. There can be larger and more elaborate tamagushi, with red and white cloth, and asa (sacred hemp fibres) tied in a ribbon on the top as well alongisde two shide.
Pagans get ready to celebrate Earth Day. Oklahoma Pagans face persecution from neighbors. And the role of magic in anarchism is considered. It's Watery Wednesday, our weekly segment on news about the Pagan community! All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!
An Arizonan atheist arouses controversy by praying in the "wrong" manner in the state's legislature. The Egyptian government cracks down on religious and ideological opponents. And the Chinese government makes a pivot towards Africa in its drive to increase its influence abroad. It's Fiery Tuesday, our weekly segment on societal and political news from around the world! All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!
We remember a momentous event in Irish history. The international community turns its scrutiny on the disappearance of five booksellers in Hong Kong. And the role of Muslims in Western media is examined. It's Fiery Tuesday, our weekly segment on political and societal news from around the world! All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!
What does the government's order of Apple in the San Bernardino case entail? The authoritarian histories of East Asia are reviewed. And we discuss the importance of standing up to our culture's skepticism towards rape claims. It's Fiery Tuesday, our weekly segment on political and societal news from around the world. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!
Japanese women fight for the right to retain their maiden name. Turkish citizens remark on their country's recent slide into sectarianism and authoritarianism. And the true views of the founding fathers on Islam are made clear. It's Fiery Tuesday, our weekly segment on political news from around the world. All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!
People in Japan and Palestine find common ground rebuilding their communities. A Jewish survivor of the Holocaust decries racist attitudes towards modern refugees. And the Front National, a populist and xenophobic party in France, rises in electoral support. It's Fiery Tuesday, our weekly segment on political and societal news from around the world! All this and more for the Pagan News Beagle!
Ariel Aron
I agree. I am always looking for a sense of community just wish there are more efficient ways to communicate.and find those communities I know their o...
Steven Posch
Thanks, Tasha, and a Happy Harvest to you. Most covens have a Book of Shadows; we have a songbook instead. After Yule and Beltane, Harvest has more tr...
Tasha Halpert
There was balance n the earthquake in Japan, for sure. Usually when there is one on one side of the world, here is one on the other. Nice thinking on ...
Welcome back, Olivia! Your presence was missed. This is a very interesting insight into a particular part of Shinto ritual that I
